“…Go, strengthen and establish your brothers.”

As the year 2008 draws to a close I am reminded that the Hebrew number “8” comes from a root word meaning “to super-abound.” That certainly describes what we saw God do among the nations this past year!

Philippines

It was late January when the first assignment came and I soon began packing for 2 weeks in the Philippines, a nation we had never visited before. Launching out in faith and embracing the unknown provided opportunities I never imagined as night after night hundreds of people literally ran forward to receive Christ. The prayer lines covered the entire area of the outdoor basketball court and we witnessed the power of God opening ears, removing cataracts, healing arthritis and cancer, strengthening limbs, disappearing goiters as well as incredible deliverances.

The many converts were presented with bibles and connected to local churches whose Pastors were also in attendance.  Out of this same number many new Bible studies began in people’s homes which ultimately will birth new churches.

During the day we visited local government officials inviting them to the meetings and praying for them.  Often the Mayor of a city would invite us to lunch at his home where a great feast had been prepared.  We were even given access to the local schools to share a brief gospel message in classrooms.  A leadership conference drew about 400 people and again the Holy Spirit came with such power none could resist but hearts were radically altered that day as we were ushered before the throne worshiping and crying out to God.

There were also divine appointments at several churches where we were under such strong anointing as the word was delivered it was clear that the church had an appointment with her destiny that day.  At a separate gathering of Pastors we were asked if it would be possible to just come sometime and travel and teach all across the island as the churches are so hungry and ready to receive.

I did return again in May for 3 more weeks of teaching and praying for hundred of people every night until I lost my voice.  It often rained in the afternoon just as we would begin to set up for the evening service which was outside but as we came together and took communion ad prayed the rain would stop until we were on our way back to the hotel.  It was an open heaven experience of huge proportion and we estimated that in the course of 10 days, 3,000 people were ushered into the kingdom and more than 300 received miracle healings.

Mozambique

After a month of rest at home Larry and I left for Mozambique.  His business forbids him from being gone long periods of time but he was able to stay 2 weeks and enjoyed working in the wood shop with teenage boys, teaching them to make beds and benches for the dorms.  It never takes long for a boy to attach himself to this compassionate father figure.

I was consumed with teaching in the Bible school for the Pastors.  Each year is so different and this year it seemed especially difficult to connect.  I began a constant prayer vigil for the men daily seeking God for insight into the problem.  One day the Holy Spirit gave me an idea- I was to prepare a feast and invite them to the Father’s table.  Clearly they had never had such a meal as this before, with table cloths of African fabric, and candle light in the open air prayer hut.  That night we had a visitation from God unlike anything I had ever experienced and that night those 7 Pastor’s lives and mine were forever changed.

I love this about my relationship with God.  I don’t have to plan anything.  I simply step into the moment and watch as God does what He does best!  It’s always an adventure-always beyond my wildest imagination!  I love that while I cannot be a full-time missionary, He is pleased to let me be His secret agent and send me on assignments all over the world.  I never fear just packing my bag and stepping into the unknown because He is always arranging one divine appointment after another.  The mandate is clear, “…Go…and strengthen and establish your brothers.”

I had not yet boarded the plane for home from Africa when the Holy Spirit began to speak concerning 2009.  Many of you know that incredible assignment God sent us on to Ethiopia in 2007.  Without the slightest exaggeration I tell you that not a day has passed since that I have not had that nation burning in my heart.  I knew then that I would return one day and the Lord seems to be saying NOW!

Advancing the Kingdom………….Larry & Alison Humbert

God is in the Philippines!

Dear Fellow Warriors in Intercession,

You did good! I am excited to report the amazing visitation of God in the Philippines! God gave us great favor as we visited and prayed over the Mayors of 3 different towns and the “Captains” who govern over 10 related villages. It is estimated about 3,000 people came into the kingdom in the 10 nights of services; over 300 received amazing healings and approximately 100 home Bible studies were started, encouraging and strengthening the local churches.

Local Pastors who attended nightly said they had never seen this kind of response from the people before. Because the remote villages consist only of houses and a basketball court, that is where we congregated, live band, drama, dance team, local officials and Pastors and anywhere from 200 to 600 local villagers. Many of the young people who initially held back, listening from t other side of the fence, were seen leaping over the fence to come forward when the invitation was given. Creating 10 long lines for healing prayer we prayed for an hour after the service, participating with God and witnessing deaf ears open, nearly blind eyes become clear, goiters disappear, arthritis and numerous joint and muscle problems healed, pain and sickness bow at the feet of Jesus!

Dinner	Baptisms!

It rained the first week, except when it was time for the service to begin! One night only the rain did not let up and neither did we. We stood in the rain worshiping and dancing before the Lord and the people just kept coming, hungry for God and eager to be free from Physical bondages.

On Sundays we preached in local churches and at the end of my time there I interviewed several Pastors as to the effect of the ministry on their churches as well as the nature of the persecution suffered as a result of it. When asked what they would desire we do differently each said the same thing; please stay and minister more than one night in each village- WE WANT MORE!

Two highlights for me personally involved a teenage boy who as I prayed for him went through a complete deliverance. I have never seen such a radical transformation take place right before my eyes. He didn’t look like the same person when it was over.

Another encounter was with the amazing lead guitar player of our band. As the band began to play the first night of services my eyes were transfixed and the Holy Spirit caused me to see how the love of God seemed to clothe this young man. I later had occasion to sit and listen to his testimony- a former wealthy drug lord who played in clubs, recording satanic music and tormented by demons to jump off a bridge after the death of both parents at an early age. He had also suffered the loss of his 5 year old daughter just one week prior to my arrival. Today he is serving the Lord, using his gift of worship to usher many into the kingdom, and receiving no pay for what he does! What an honor to have the opportunity to encourage this young man in his faith.

Lead Guitarist	Worship

It was also a joy to leave a deposit behind with the Filipino team by teaching them about their inheritance as a prophetic generation and the simple steps to experiencing the use of this gift with one another. Some actually wept as they received a very specific and personal word from a brother who had never done such a thing before! All were so encouraged.

Receive!	Teaching

How can I say thank you for your support and intercession for this amazing opportunity to expand the borders of the Kingdom and take back from the enemy what rightfully belongs to God? We experienced divine intervention in the weather, divine sustenance concerning our health, and protection as we visited some not-to-safe remote villages known to have had visits from guerrillas in the hills. We did have some trouble with vehicles but God always intervened and solved problems quickly. Air travel went smooth; it took 4 different planes to get there! And all of this was because you were willing to go to war, covering this mission with God’s favor through your prayers. It wouldn’t happen without you. Thank you!

God is still speaking and I am aware of a call to return to Ethiopia as well as launch out into some new and darker territory as I ask if you would please continue to pray as I seek God’s timing and direction for the year ahead. In response to the plea for MORE I have been asked to return to encourage local Pastors by teaching a 2 day conference in the middle of the 2 week crusade. We want to return to the Philippines while this open heaven remains over this country, to do all that God desires. It only remains for God to work out then details.

I am blessed to know you, to be able to call on you, to be assured of you positioning yourself to participate in all that God is doing as He sends. With all my heart, thank you. I could never do this without you!

Because of His Great Love, Alison Humbert